Emerson Koning
Varsity girls tennis head coach Jan Guevara gives feedback to team members as they play a doubles game. Guevara, who played tennis throughout college, began her coaching journey in 2020.
Clipboard in hand, Jan Guevara, the new girls varsity tennis head coach, can be found cheering on her players from the sidelines.
Although a new addition to the school’s team, Guevara has experience coaching teams to championships.
Growing up in Bellevue, Wash., Guevara followed in her father’s footsteps and began playing tennis at an early age. She continued through college, playing at San José State University, and participated in United States Tennis Association tournaments in 2018. She first started coaching in 2020, as the head coach of the Academy of Our Lady of Guam tennis team, an all-girls academy, and later at a co-ed competitive club team in Seattle.
After relocating to Carlsbad and applying to coaching positions in the area, Guevara decided TPHS was the best fit because of Falcis-Stevens’ passion for the school’s athletics. Falcis-Stevens thought Guevara was best for the job because of her prior experience, enthusiasm and organization.
“I thought it would be a great opportunity to help young tennis players in their career,” Guevara said.
With an extraordinary perception and high standards for each player, on and off the court, Guevara makes her players well-rounded and disciplined. Every key detail matters when she makes her team selections.
She looks for factors like “enthusiasm, presence and desire to learn,” and wants everyone to remember that tennis is enjoyable, not just a competition.
“It’s important to know that tennis is for everyone, regardless of their levels,” Guevara said. “It’s a sport to play for life.”
Beyond athletic ability, Guevara is looking for players who leave an impact on the court.
“One of the biggest things that stands out in players is mental toughness, not necessarily skill, because a lot of tennis players have similar skills,” Guevara said.“What takes them over the top is their positivity and passion.”
Her coaching method relies on building strong relationships with her athletes.
“I like to be approachable,” Guevara said. “I like to be fair. I am flexible, and I like to be predictable. Players need to know what to expect coming to practice and not be caught off guard, so they’re better prepared.”
Despite Guevara only having coached for a few weeks on this team, her players are already becoming familiar with her coaching style.
Ruby Resch (11), captain of the varsity girls tennis team, enjoys having Guevara as her coach.
“She wants the best for everybody,” Resch said, “She is super encouraging and detail-oriented, helping each individual player improve their game.”
Another key player on the team, Chloe Kappes (10), has been playing tennis for three years, with two spent on the varsity team. To Kappes, Guevara’s effort to connect with players is apparent.
“She’s particularly friendly and she does well with team bonding and getting to know the players,” Kappes said.
Guevara keeps an encouraging mindset, focusing on keeping her players confident and motivated throughout the season. Helping a struggling athlete is a difficult task, but Guevara handles it by giving a lot of support.
“Positive reinforcement, just continue to encourage players who are struggling,” Guevara said. “I try to communicate their needs and build trust.”
Kappes noticed that during their first pre-season scrimmage against La Costa Canyon, Guevara was quick to support athletes when they were frustrated.
“She doesn’t get angry during stressful situations,” Kappes said. “She focuses on making sure that the player is always in the right mindset.”
To Guevara, building a connection with her athletes is vital. She plans to focus on teaching life lessons this season.
“[I want] to build relationships with them on and off the court and teach them some life learning experiences that tennis offers, not just the sport, but also in day-to-day life,” Guevara said.